Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" films, Michael Gambon, passes away at the age of 82

The Irish-born actor Michael Gambon, who was knighted for his distinguished career in theater and film and who won the respect of a new wave of fans for his role of Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore in six of the eight "Harry Potter" films, has passed away. He was eighty-two.

According to his manager Clair Dobbs, the actor passed away on Wednesday after suffering from "a bout of pneumonia."

"We regret to inform you of Sir Michael Gambon's passing. Michael was a devoted husband and father who passed away quietly in the hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus by his side, according to a statement from his family.

In 1998, Gambon received a knighthood in recognition of his services to the entertainment sector.